MIL Just came back from recruiters (trying to go OCS)

Went to each of the recruiting stations and I was kind of disappointed with the Marines because they were not giving out waivers for tattoos. I have half sleeves of a Koi and Phoenix that are both above the elbow up to my shoulder, black no color. Marines is my primary choice so I just want to ask you guys is there any way around it? I asked my friend's brother who is a marine in new york and they pretty much said the same thing so am I shit out of luck?

I then went to the Army recruiter but they weren't very helpful. Had some thug pretty much talking about how he has no respect for officers out of college and pretty much kept pressuring my friend and I to just enlist. Didn't even get a chance to talk to a real officer recruiter where as I was able to talk to officer recruiters with the Navy and the Marines.

Lastly, went to the Navy recruiter and found them to be the most helpful and insightful. Apparently they give out waivers for tattoos and told me I have a decent shot at getting in. I really have my mind set on Marines but if that is not possible then I guess Navy is a good choice still too.

My main question is there anyone out there with tattoos who successfully went through the process of getting into OCS in the navy/army/marines ? What kind of advice or actions do you suggest I do?

cliffs:
-went to army not helpful
-marines my # 1 choice cant get a waiver for tattoos anyone know what i can do to get around?
-navy seemed to be the best in terms of meeting the qualifications and getting in.

it all just depends really. i had guys in my platoon this last summer in quantico with ink all over, and i had a friend denied for one chinese symbol on the inside of his wrist that was no larger than an inch.

i do think that the new sleeve rule is what they're mainly sticklers about.

I believe you can get the tatoo waiver in the Army. When I went through OCS, there were a few candidates with tatoos on their arms, back of neck, etc. As for the Army recruiter, their gonna give you the whole dog and pony show of why you should enlist, and why being an officer sucks. The process to get you into OCS is longer then a regular recruit. They are either talking out of their ass, too lazy to go the extra mile for you, simply clueless on the OCS process, or a combination. Dont let some shitbag recruiter stand between you and the commission you want to earn. Talk to his NCOIC, or ask for the number to his company commander. All else fails, drive to another Army recruiting station.

I believe you can get the tatoo waiver in the Army. When I went through OCS, there were a few candidates with tatoos on their arms, back of neck, etc. As for the Army recruiter, their gonna give you the whole dog and pony show of why you should enlist, and why being an officer sucks. The process to get you into OCS is longer then a regular recruit. They are either talking out of their ass, too lazy to go the extra mile for you, simply clueless on the OCS process, or a combination. Dont let some shitbag recruiter stand between you and the commission you want to earn. Talk to his NCOIC, or ask for the number to his company commander. All else fails, drive to another Army recruiting station.

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Dude who was a lawyer trying to get into the JAG Corps was at the MEPS station with me, he had all kinds of tats on his arms. Even had an Iron Cross, no swastika tho. As far as I know he passed everything at MEPS

The Army does not have a specific officer recruiter for OCS guys. Since the program technically requires you to enlist with your MOS being OCS, you are taken through the entire enlistment process and treated as an enlistee

Ask to speak to the station commander if you want to get a feel of what the officer does and/or just want to talk to someone who isnt a complete douchebag

I cannot speak for the other branches but did try to go Navy at first and had multiple horrible experiences with Navy recruiters, oh well their loss

Why? OCS Officers without enlistment time account for .01% (ok I made that percentage up...but you get the point) of all Army Officers - The big bill payer is Army ROTC, then Service Academies then Army OCS In-House (i.e. I'm a 4yr Inf Soldier that goes to OCS while on AD)

Why? OCS Officers without enlistment time account for .01% (ok I made that percentage up...but you get the point) of all Army Officers - The big bill payer is Army ROTC, then Service Academies then Army OCS In-House (i.e. I'm a 4yr Inf Soldier that goes to OCS while on AD)